Many students are ready to attempt graduate study, but are hesitant because of their desire to earn money, and because graduate school is still an unknown quantity. Given that students' financial earning power is increased by the acquisition of a graduate degree, it is becoming easier for students to make the decision to pursue graduate studies.

The BD program is very timely for the Alabama program because of those factors. The BD program provides an excellent incentive for ten highly qualified students to pursue graduate studies with a doctoral degree as a goal and stepping stone to a rewarding future.